Sent off as the 5-2 favorite under Luis Saez in the 15th running of the race for fillies and mares, Golden Fantasy stayed close to pacesetter R Holiday Mood, who posted fractions of :22.39 and :45.90. Golden Mystery took over in the stretch and completed the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.96. Fantasy of Flight, who raced close to the pace the entire way, got up for second. Nakano, who trailed in last for much of the trip, closed for third. R Holiday Mood weakened and finished sixth.

Bred in Florida by Adena Springs and trained by Martin Wolfson for Farnsworth Stables, Golden Fantasy (Awesome Again--Mysterious Angel, by Saint Ballado) chalked up her ninth win from 38 starts and upped her earnings to $540,223 with the $90,000 she earned in the Hurricane Bertie. She had begun the year with a score in the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Sprint at Gulfstream Jan. 19.

"I felt like I would win this race because I know this mare," Saez said. "This is her favorite weather, too, because she has a problem sweating. Martin Wolfson told me when she is coming down the stretch to let her run. He wanted her in second or third position and that would be perfect for her. She was very easy, amazing."

Golden Mystery almost didn't run in the Hurricane Bertie because of the presence of Dust and Diamonds. Dust and Diamonds ended up being retired before the race.

"We weren't sure we were going to run," Wolfson said. "I sent her home (to Farnsworth Farm in Florida) for four or five days. She was going to the sale (Fasig-Tipton Kentucky mixed sale Feb. 11). When I found out Dust and Diamonds got hurt, I told the owners I wanted to bring her back for this race. That was the filly to beat."

Golden Mystery is scheduled to go through the sale as Hip 175 consigned by HIdden Brook, agent.

Golden Mystery paid $7.20, $3.80, and $2.80. Fantasy of Flight was good for $5 and $3.80, and Nakano returned $4.80. The $2 exacta of 6-5 returned $32, the $1 trifecta of 6-5-7 paid $75.90, and the $1 superfecta of 6-5-7-1 was good for $512.